It’s Day 12 or the Restricted Movement Order (RMO) in Malaysia. 16 more days to go! I posted this video during the first week of RMO just to share to everyone how I’ve managed to work from home and stay productive for the past three years. As someone who once had a 9-5 job, I totally understand the struggle of getting disciplined and structuring your optimal day when there’s no “authority” watching over you. If you haven’t watched the video, have a read of the summary below.
Why we go crazy when there’s no one watching
It’s first good to know why we have a problem to begin with. This is my personal experience, yours might be different, but I’m sure some can relate.
All of our lives, we are used to be given a schedule. When we were young, we had school time in the morning. Then there was lunch time, nap time, play time, homework time, tuition time, etc. And when we’re adults, there’s the 9-5 job, happy hour, gym and a little time at night to just do whatever we want.
As you can see, a major part of our day was always demanded from us. We had to physically be somewhere to do something each time, and normally with the company others – like colleagues, friends or family.
Now suddenly, you’re physically required to stay at home. Your comfort zone / your me-time / family-time spot. Your body and mind gets confused. How could you work when your bed or Play Station is right beside you, or when your family keeps asking for attention.
Here’s My Solution.
Create a Plan. A Schedule. Or whatever you want to call it. And be grown-up and disciplined enough to STICK TO IT.
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How do I create a Schedule Though?
I’m glad you’r still reading. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating your schedule:
1. Define your Goals / Priorities.
What do you want to achieve by the end of this RMO? Or by the end of the week or month? Write it down.
In the video, I wrote two things:
First, I wanted to maintain a healthy body.
I know it seems like something very “duh” but you’ll be surprised at how many people neglect this. Especially when your time is your own. You can either get too lazy or too busy to exercise if you do not prioritise it.
Secondly, I want to focus on self growth which includes:
Making time for personal projects like Painting and Writing
Making more money (which to me means focusing on my business – which to you guys would probably be: finishing up the work you brought home to do)
2. Break the Goals down into Tasks and allocate Time.
Now that you know what you need to achieve, break it down to individual tasks and fit it into your week
This way, you can clearly see how many hours it takes to do what task, and how you can balance it out throughout the week.
It is quite normal to realise that you don’t have enough time in a day to do everything on your lists. It’s ok, that’s why we plan by week. So maybe you can’t finish a whole painting in a week, just try to spend 4 hours this week, and another 4 hours next week. Be patient with yourself and trust your schedule.
3. Fill in a weekly/ monthly schedule and be disciplined.
Of course it’s going to be difficult at first. But we just have to do it. If not, do you want to feel fat, lazy and lousy at the end of the day because you didn’t do anything? Think about that when you start to go off track.
And if you still feel stuck and unable to keep to the schedule, read next post: Popular Tips to Help You Stick to a Routine
Let me know how you’re all doing! Would love to hear your RMO story!
Subscribe to Youtube.com/DaphneSiaw and leave a like on the video you like so I know what to make more of next time! Take care, be safe, stay home!